Israeli Fire Kills Four Palestinians Including 11-Year-Old and Health Ministry Chief's Nephew's Neighbor

On September 21, 2026 — the 347th consecutive day of reported ceasefire violations since the October 2025 truce — Israeli tank fire struck tents for displaced people in the al-Mawasi 'safe zone' west of Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing 11-year-old Ismail al-Bardawil; his body was brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. In Jabalia, northern Gaza, an Israeli drone shot and killed Mohsen Ahmed Bahjat in the head. In central Gaza, 31-year-old Fidaa Toutah was shot in the head by Israeli tank fire on Salah al-Din Street east of the Nuseirat refugee camp as she returned home after taking her children to school; she died at Al-Awda Hospital. Hours later, an Israeli drone strike killed an unnamed Palestinian man in Khan Younis city center. Gaza Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal and hospital officials at Nasser, Al-Awda and Al-Shifa confirmed the deaths; the Israeli military said it was checking the reports. Gaza's Health Ministry put the ceasefire-period toll at 1,394 killed and 4,839 wounded since the October 2025 truce, and the cumulative toll since October 7, 2023 at 73,914 killed.